With a 2-2 draw with Leeds in the early match of round 36, Newcastle is only three points ahead of Man Utd and has played one more match in the Premier League.
Leeds started well as promised by new manager Sam Allardyce. In the 7th minute, Patrick Bamford crossed for Rodrigo to head. Goalkeeper Nick Pope dived to block the ball, but could not prevent Luke Ayling from scoring the opener.
Allardyce pushed defender Robin Koch into midfield, which provided the energy and balance Leeds have lacked in recent weeks. Leeds almost doubled their lead in the 27th minute. The referee awarded them a penalty, but Bamford's shot went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Pope. Joelinton had earlier fouled Junior Firpo in the box.
Ayling opened the scoring for Leeds in the match on the evening of May 13. Photo: Reuters
The missed penalty cost Leeds dearly. Newcastle needed just four more minutes to equalise. The referee faulted Max Wober for a tackle on Alexander Isak, and awarded the visitors a penalty. Unlike Bamford, Callum Wilson calmly slotted the free kick past goalkeeper Joel Robles.
This is Wilson's 16th goal since the start of the 2022-2023 Premier League season. The 31-year-old striker equaled Marcus Rashford's record and moved up to fifth in the race for the Golden Boot. The top four players are Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Mohamed Salah.
Callum Wilson celebrates scoring the equalizer for Newcastle in the match on the evening of May 13. Photo: AP
Wilson's equaliser also left Leeds demoralised. Newcastle almost got a second just before half-time, Miguel Almiron curling in his signature left-footed effort, but the ball went just wide of the post.
Newcastle continued to play well after the break. In the 69th minute, the referee called for a handball against Firpo. The visitors got another penalty and Wilson completed his double, making it 2-1.
But Leeds did not give up. The team ranked third from bottom rose strongly in the remaining time. In the 79th minute, luck smiled on them. Rasmus Kristensen shot from 25m, hit Kieran Trippier and changed direction, flying into the goal, equalizing 2-2.
Rasmus Kristensen celebrates the equalizer 2-2 for Leeds. Photo: Reuters
The match became tense in the final minutes. Firpo received a second yellow card, for a foul on Anthony Gordon. Afterwards, a Leeds fan rushed onto the pitch to attack the Newcastle coach, but the police intervened.
The draw leaves Newcastle with just 66 points after 35 games. The third-placed team in the Premier League is three points ahead of Man Utd, but has played one game more. A win over Wolves would see the Red Devils level with Newcastle.
The result of the match also opens up an opportunity for Liverpool, who have 62 points after 35 matches. If they are lucky in the last three rounds, Liverpool can completely enter the Top 4. Meanwhile, Leeds cannot escape from 18th place. They only have 31 points after 35 matches, one point less than the 17th ranked team, Everton, and have played one more match.
Thanh Quy
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